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New owner, new name for former Rum Bay

The Rum Bay nightclub, 2993 North Ave., is in the process of being sold to new owners, who anticipate the club to reopen sometime in March.

Neal DeHaven, the 37-year-old owner of DeHaven Painting & Drywall, 518 28 Road, agreed to buy the club from Ron Nunnery late last year. DeHaven’s accountant, MaryAnn Webster, said she anticipates the deal to close Monday, the same day DeHaven appears before the Mesa County Commission to request transferring the club’s liquor license into his name.

“He wants to open up kind of a classy place, you know, not too classy,” Webster said. “The night club will be open about three nights a week.”

Tentatively, the new owner is looking at opening the Axis Nightclub on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. DeHaven’s paint store will remain open, and its hours should not be affected by the nightclub, she said.

“We are going to play it by ear,” Webster said.

DeHaven’s move to acquire the club comes with some conditions. He had to sign and agree to several conditions that require security, working video surveillance cameras, properly trained bar staff and assurances that minors will not be sold alcohol.

“We are going to have all kinds of different measures,” Webster said.

If DeHaven gets to proceed, the club will get new decor, inside and out.

“It is pretty ugly right now,” Webster said.

Patrizia Spencer, the owner of Vaquero’s Boutique, 3225 Interstate 70 Business Loop, in Clifton, tried last year to lease the club from Nunnery. Spencer’s plans never materialized.
Webster said she is confident DeHaven’s efforts will fare better.